Written piece
Spirit of the African Broom
Aye Brandon Kiven
Cameroon
About this piece
Spirit of the African Broom calls for fairness and unity among citizens as it is the only way to move the nation forward.
*Spirit of the African Broom*
Mother is on the ground, eyes swollen,
pushed there by us, her children.
We stand arguing as she continues
to writhe in pain from our stings.
No concrete plan to help her
to her feet.
We're in millions, yet unable to lift Mother.
We see our different tongues
as walls between us.
We say others are less, unworthy of a place.
We say as colonial time turned us into two,
no strong bridge is possible.
We immerse our minds in this harmful thinking,
while Mother prays
we embrace the spirit of the African broom,
so we'll be able to suck her fine milk.